Mask system and method

ABSTRACT

A mask system that includes a slipcover. The slipcover fits over a commercially available mask or any mask. The slip cover includes a first foldable surface, and a second foldable surface. The first foldable surface and the second foldable surface are folded to removably attach the slipcover to the mask. The slipcover also includes a plurality of loop tabs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to a mask system and a method for using the same.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to protective face masks and deals more specifically with a protective face mask for preventing the evasive entry of fluids or other particulates and the like into the openings of the mouth, and nose of a wearer. A protective face mask also prevents or substantially inhibits fluids or other particulates that may exit the mouth and nose, such as when a wearer sneezes, coughs, or the like. It has been found that a number of contagious diseases, in particular, infectious viral diseases such as COVID-19, SARS and other virus are highly contagious and that wearing a mask is a tool to slow the spread of such diseases. As a result, health agencies, such as the Center for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization have recommended that all wear protective face masks, especially with inside buildings or when in crowded gatherings.

Health professionals of all types wear protective masks. In a pandemic such as the one involving COVID-19, the demand for protective masks skyrocketed almost overnight. The result has been that many medical professionals, such as those in hospitals and clinics, have experiences a shortage of masks and other personal protective gear. In some instances, masks that were manufactured to be disposable are being reused. For example, in one office that uses an N 95 mask, the professionals are provided with 5 masks per month and are instructed to wear one on Mondays, another on Tuesday, and so on. The masks worn on a Monday are sterilized between successive Mondays.

Other heroes, such as fire fighters and law enforcement officers also need masks and have been forced to reuse one time masks. The general public also has been forced into reusing masks that may have been made for a one time use. The alternative is to make your own or to buy or otherwise obtain homemade masks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a mask system and a method for using the same. The invention includes a slipcover for a mask that fits over a manufactured mask. The slipcover is removably attached to the mask. It is held securely when worn but can be easily removed and washed. It is anticipated that a user might have multiple slipcovers so that one can be used while the other is being laundered or otherwise sterilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a user wearing the mask system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a pattern for a slipcover for the mask system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one section of a four-piece slipcover for a mask system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top view one side of a slipcover for the mask system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a back view of a slipcover for the mask system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view of the right sides of the two halves of the slip cover being readied to sew together, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a slipcover as completed, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a slipcover placed over a manufactured mask, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a slipcover placed over a manufactured mask showing the side of the slipcover which will contact the face, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a safety strap, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a safety strap as attached to strap of a manufactured mask, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a mask assembly showing the manufactured, commercially available mask enveloped by the slipcover, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the bottom portion of the mask assembly, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a wire for a slipcover, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a KN95 mask for another mask system, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a template or a pattern 1600 for a slipcover for the mask system that includes the KN95 mask, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the mask system, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of a user wearing the mask system, according to an example embodiment. The mask system includes a manufactured, commercially available mask 1200 (shown in FIG. 12) and a slipcover 100 which fits over or envelopes the manufactured, commercially available mask 1200. The slipcover 100 includes a nose wire and a chin wire which is captured in a pocket 1210 (shown in FIG. 12, top stitching shown in FIG. 1), and which can be used to conform the slipcover 100 to the nose and chin of the user, respectively. The slipcover 100 slips over the top and bottom of the manufactured, commercially available mask 1200 and includes a first flap 110 and a second flap (shown in FIG. 13) which can be turned over the end of the slipcover 100 to hold or removably attach the slipcover 100 to the mask. The mask is reversible so that the nose wire can become the chin wire. In this case, the nose wire is reformed or rebent to form the chin wire. Similarly, the chin wire is reformed or rebent to form the nose wire. The slipcover can be reversed up and down. Thus, each of the flaps 110 can be associated with either the nose or the chin when worn. In addition, the slipcover 100 is reversible so that the inside shell can become the outside shell and vice versa. This particular example is for an N95 mask, such as Particulate Respirator 07048, N95 available from 3M of St. Paul, Minn. (3M Product Number 07048, 3M ID 70070614402, UPC 00051131070486). It should be noted that 3M has a number of different types of N95 masks available. It should be noted that the slipcover 100 can be used on many of these as well as many commercially available masks on the market.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a template or a pattern 200 for a slipcover 100 for the mask system, according to an example embodiment. The pattern 200 includes a center seam side 210 and a folded hem side 220. The center seam side 210 is a longer curve and is formed so that it can form a curve associated with the manufactured, commercial mask. The pattern 200 also includes two ends 230, 232 which are located between the center seam side 210 and the folded hem side 220. The template or pattern 200 is for one fourth of the slipcover 100. In other words, there needs to be four pieces cut from the material used to make the slipcover. Two of the four pieces will be sewn together to form a first side or shell of the slipcover 100. The other two of the four pieces will be sewn together to form a second side or shell of the slipcover 100.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one section of a four-piece slipcover for a mask system, according to an example embodiment. The one section of the slipcover 100 shown corresponds to the pattern 200 for the slipcover 100. The center side seam 210 has been overcast, as shown in FIG. 3. The overcast along the center side seam 210 finishes the raw edge. Also shown in FIG. 3 is that the folded hem side 220 is still a raw edge.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one side or one shell 400 of a slipcover 100 for the mask system, according to an example embodiment. The one side or one shell 400 of the slipcover 100 is formed by sewing the center side seams 210 of two of the four pieces together. The first piece 200 and the second piece 200 are placed right sides together and then a seam 410 is formed by sewing along the center side seams 210 of both pieces with a selected seam allowance. As shown in FIG. 4, the material beyond seam 410 formed is ironed to one side or the other and then top stitched. The top stitch for 20 can be seen in FIG. 4. The top stitch assures that the excess material will lie flat and prevent bunching up of the material from the seam 410.

FIG. 5 is a back view of one side or one shell 400 of a slipcover 100 for the mask system, according to an example embodiment. Again, two shells 400 are needed to form a completed slipcover 100. FIG. 5 shows the finishing of the folded hem sides 220 of a shell. There will be two folded hem sides 220. As shown, one folded hem side is finished. The finished folded hem side 220 is shown at the top of FIG. 5. The other folded hem side 220 is in the process of being finished. The folded hem side is folded under and then top stitched. More precisely, the folded side seams can be pressed at about a 3/16″ fold along the curved edges of the folded hem side 220. A double fold is formed so as to form a finished edge. The folded down edge is stitched approximately 1/16″ from inner edge so the curve lays very flat when finished. In summary, in one embodiment four folded hem sides need to be finished if the mask is to have a finished look. This is most easily done before sewing the first shell to the second shell. In some embodiments, the shells could be sewn together

The next step includes attaching the first shell to the second shell along the side edges 230, 232. FIG. 6 is a view of the right sides of the two shells 400 of the slip cover 100 being readied to sew together, according to an example embodiment. The right sides of the shells 400 are placed together. Also included or temporarily attached to one of the shells is a loop of fabric or folded over piece of fabric 610, 612 which will be captured by the seam formed between the two shells along the ends 230, 232 of each shell. The folded over piece of fabric 610, 612 will be sewn together with the same seam is used to attach one shell 400 to the other shell 400. These pieces of fabric 610, 612 will form tabs or loops of fabric. There are four tabs 610, 612, 614, 616 that will be formed when the first shell 400 is attached to the second shell 400. Tabs 614, 616 are shown in FIG. 7. The tbs, 610, 612, 614, 616 on both sides of mask slip cover 100 offer many practical benefits including when one or both straps of the N 95 mask break, elastic or ties may be inserted through loops of tabs to offer an alternative way to secure the N95 mask and the mask slip cover. This will prolong the use of the N95 mask.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a slipcover 100 as completed, according to an example embodiment. After attaching one shell 400 to the other shell 400, each shell 400 is provided with a pocket 710, 712 that contains a malleable material such as a wire, aluminum strip, stay or the like. The malleable material (not shown) is sewn into the pocket 710, 712. The pocket 710 is sewn or otherwise attached to a first shell 400. Another pocket 712 is attached to the other or second shell 400. The second shell 400 shows the wrong side of the fabric of that particular shell. The pocket 710, 712 is sewn to the wrong side of the fabric of each of the shells. It is also positioned along the folded hem side 220 of each of the shell. The pocket is also centered and toward the edge of each shell. Each pocket can serve as a nose clip or a chin clip. A wire or malleable metal stay, clip, wire or the like is slipped into the pocket or casing typically after three sides are sewn and before the fourth and final side is sewn to substantially totally enclose the aluminum strip, stay or the like.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a slipcover 100 placed over a manufactured mask, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view of a slipcover placed over a manufactured mask showing the side of the slipcover which will contact the face, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the completed slipcover 100 placed over the manufactured mask. The slipcover 100 fits over the elastic straps 910, 920 of the manufactured mask 900. The N95 mask, for example, is inserted at the top or bottom of the slipcover 100 and pulled through. The slipcover 100 does not impede the original elastic it was manufactured with. The elastic from the N95 mask is used as it normally would be, provided it continues to hold up if used multiple times. The slipcover 100 has also been outfitted with a safety strap 810. Safety strap 810 attached is one of the tabs 614 to one of the straps 920 of the manufactured mask 900. The safety strap 810 holds the slipcover 100 with respect to the manufactured mask 900. Thus, the slipcover 100 will not fall off the mask 900. This can happen when the wearer is not wearing both the mask and the slipcover. In other words when the wearer takes off the mask system, the slipcover could fall away from the manufactured mask 900. Also included is an elongated neck strap 820. The elongated neck strap 820 is attached to tabs 612 and 616. The elongated neck strap 820 is for convenience. When a user wants to take off a mask for a short period of time, they can take it off of their face and the neck strap 820 will hold the mask system around their neck so that it can be readily found and placed on the face once again. The neck strap 820 also prevents the wearer from losing the mask and from placing the mask on a less than clean surface or any surface for that matter.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a safety strap 810, according to an example embodiment. The safety strap 810 is a shortened length of fabric or folded over biased tape or the like that includes a snap assembly. One end of the snap assembly is located at one end of the safety strap 810 and the other end of the snap assembly is located near the other end of the safety strap. The safety strap is placed through the loop 614 and over the manufactured mask strap 920. The snap is then used to hold the safety strap 810 in place.

FIG. 11 is a top close-up view of a safety strap 810 as attached to loop 614 of a manufactured mask, according to an example embodiment.

A materials list and more detailed assembly instructions for forming the slipcover 100 for an N95 mask are set forth below. It should be understood that the slipcover 100 can be made for any type of mask. Furthermore, it should be understood that any type of material can be used to make the slipcover. Cotton or a loosed weave cotton is comfortable. Other materials could also be used including a disposable fabric. Woven or nonwoven fabric could also be used to form the slipcover 100. Different colors can be used of course. There also may be ways to cut the fabric to match patterns within the fabric. Of course, the pattern or template can be modified for different sized masks as well as for different types of masks and still be within the spirit of the invention.

Materials needed for (1) Mask Slip Cover *Fabric for cover front and back (about a ¼ of a yard of fabric) *(4): 1½″ pieces of single fold bias tape for the (4) Side Tabs *(1): 3″ piece of single fold bias tape for (1) Security Strap *(1): Snap (approx. ¼″) or similar closure for Security Strap *(1): 36″ piece of single fold bias tape for Neck Cord *(2): Wires for nose wire and chin wire (recommend coffee tie/wire closure cut in 2 inch sections (each wire will measure 2″× 5/16″)

-   -   **Note: this particular wire offers a unique design: it has a         raised ridge on each side of the wire—when placed with this side         up inside the casing it may offer more conformability of cover         to N95 mask when pressing this wire down on top of the N95 wire.         *Wire cutter

Cutting Instructions for N95 Mask Slip Cover:

1) If cover will be the same fabric and same color on both front and back of Slip cover:

-   -   *Cut: (4) pieces all the same fabric.         2) If front of cover will be different from back of cover:     -   *Cut: (2) pieces from one fabric & (2) pieces from different         fabric         *Note: Cover is reversible if flipped over and turned 180°         3) For Single fold bias tape applications, fold in half as you         stitch many yards at a time     -   to have on hand before cutting these pieces:     -   *Cut: (4) 1½″ pieces for Side Tabs         -   (1) 3″ piece for Security Strap         -   (1) 36″ piece for Neck Cord             4) For nose and chin wire:     -   *Cut: Using a wire cutter, cut (2) 2″ sections of a coffee tie         or similar flat wire.

5) For Wire Liner:

-   -   *Cut: (2) fabric pieces, each 1½×3¼″ long

Sewing Instructions for N95 Mask Slip Cover

1) Place right sides together of two FRONT section pattern pieces & stitch together along the longer curve maintaining ¼″ inch seam allowance. Finish raw edges with a zigzag stitch *Note: This seam may be stitched using serger instead. 2) Repeat step #1 to stitch two BACK section pattern pieces together 3) Turn each front and back section around to the right side of fabric,

-   -   Top-stitch same seam on right side of fabric ⅛″ from center         seam.         *Note: This (step) will give the Slip cover a more finished look         and also holds seam “flat” to cover.         You will now have two pieces, a front and a back with a seam         across the center of each with top-stitching.         4) For Top-stitched curved outer edges (folded hem side):     -   a) Press a 3/16″ fold around all (4) remaining curved edges         (shorter curves)     -   b) Press over ( 3/16″) again to create double fold for finished         edge     -   c) Stitch folded down around curves and all (4) edges, 1/16″         from inner edge so the curve lays very flat when finished.         5) For side seams:     -   a) With right sides together carefully align front and back         sections, pin at center seam & along curves to keep aligned         while stitching side seam.     -   b) BEFORE stitching each side seam:         -   Fold each Side Tab in ½ and place just inside seam of             stitched outer curve.     -   c) Stitch side seam maintaining ¼″ seam allowance.     -   d) Finish raw edges with serge stitch     -   e) Top-stitch side seam down ⅛″ from seam line     -   *Note: This Top-stitch step is important to allow Mask Slip         cover seams to lay flat & thereby be more easily adjusted on top         of N95 Mask.

6) For Nose & Chin Wires

-   -   *Note: The Slip Cover is REVERSIBLE: The nose wire will become         the chin wire & the chin wire will therefore become the nose         wire if the user decides to wear Slip cover on reverse side (by         flipping Slip cover over and rotating the Slip cover 180′)     -   a) To finish (short) ends of wire liners, fold ⅜″ in towards         wrong side of fabric     -   b) Fold wire liner lengthwise with wrong sides together     -   c) Serge (lengthwise) using 3/16″ seam allowance     -   d) Press seam down towards middle of strip and away from edges     -   e) For “nose wire” placement:         -   Center liner at TOP of the BACK section of mask Slip cover &             on the wrong side of         -   fabric. Maintaining 1/16″ distance from wire liner edge:             -   *Start stitch at top left corner of wire liner             -   *Stitch across top of wire liner             -   *Backstitch across entire short side of wire liner for                 reinforcing short edges             -   *Stitch along lower side & at the end of this seam keep                 needle down but lift sewing foot to allow wire to be                 inserted into casing of wire liner             -   ****Tip: Some Wires have an adhesive backing—peel off                 back and dip wire into flour to cover adhesive & allow                 wire to slide through casing of wire liner. Tweezers can                 be used to insert the wire into the pocket or casing for                 the nosewire.             -   *Stitch and then also backstitch across remaining short                 end of wire liner         -   f) For placement of “chin wire”:             -   Center wire liner at BOTTOM of FRONT section of mask                 Slip cover & on the wrong side of fabric.                 -   *Repeat all steps as for “nose wire liner”         -   g) For Neck Cord:             -   *Use 36″ piece of single fold bias tape (as sewn                 previously above)             -   *To add cord to cover: insert end of cord through top of                 tab and then loop back through top of tab again             -   *Tug cord slightly to secure in place         -   h) For Security Strap:             -   *Use 3″ piece of single fold bias tape (as sewn                 previously above)             -   *Sew ¼″ snap (or similar closure attachment design) to                 each end of 3″ piece             -   ******Sew both sections of “snap/closure” to same side                 of 3″ piece             -   *To add Security Strap to Slip cover:                 -   Thread one end of Security Strap through top of one                     of the bottom tabs & then over top & through lower                     elastic of the N95 mask.             -   *Snap in place

The slip cover 100 has an open top and an open bottom as it is applied to the commercial mask such as the N 95 mask described as an example embodiment in the above description. When attaching or removably attaching the slipcover 100 to the commercial mask 900, the loops 910, 920 are pulled or placed on either side of the slipcover and emanate or exit the open ends of the slipcover 100. To removably attach the slipcover to the commercial mask 900, a portion of the slipcover is applied or placed on the face of the user while another portion of the slipcover 100 is folded to hold the first portion of the slipcover in place.

A mask system includes a slipcover having a first foldable surface, and a second foldable surface, the first foldable surface and the second foldable surface folded to removably attach the slipcover to a commercially available mask. The slipcover further includes a plurality of loop tabs. As shown in the above example embodiment, there are four such loop tabs. A safety strap can be removably attached to at least one of the plurality of loop tabs. A neck strap can also be removably attached to at least one of the plurality of loop tabs.

The inventive slipcover provides many advantages. Among the advantages is that the slipcover design can be worn over a commercially available mask to prolong the life of the mask. It should be understood that the slipcover can be adapted for use with any commercially available mask. The example shown and described in this application is for an N95 mask. For the sake of simplicity, the advantages will be set forth for an N95 mask with the understanding that this invention is adaptable to any mask.

Further advantages include, when worn over an N95 mask the slipcover offers sustainability in terms of preserving the N95 mask, along with offering comfort of wear to the user. The slipcover can be washed and reused indefinitely, depending on material used in constructing the slipcover. Applying a clean mask slipcover over heavily used N95 mask offers possible protection to user's face from dermatitis situations caused by reusing masks without washing them. In addition, wearing an N95 is known to be very uncomfortable. Using the slipcover over the N95 mask makes the mask system more comfortable to wear. Increased comfort the mask will be worn for a longer period of time.

The slipcover requires no elastic. The slipcover conforms to N95 mask and the design does not inhibit the straps of N 95 mask. Elastic has been in short supply in the face of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Elastic is also something that can add to discomfort in terms of fit. An N95 mask already has two bands of elastic so to ask a user to wear more elastic around their head would duplicative and potentially cause discomfort. The slipcover can be manufactured out of any breathable or nonbreathable fabric/fiber. The slipcover can also be made of disposable material. It is contemplated that the slipcover could be made of paper. The pattern or template can be easily altered for different sized masks or even adapted for different types of masks.

The mask slipcover is reversible. This offers design possibilities as well as keeping it very clear as to which side has been worn on the inside vs. outside of the N95 mask.

In one embodiment, the slipcover has been made from a bandana. Bandanna handkerchief fabric which is both lightweight and a loser weave has been the desirable fabric application to date. The bandana material adds to the comfort of wearing the N95 mask, and does not noticeably increase the weight of the mask and slipcover combo. The slipcover made from bandana material also does not seem to obstruct air flow.

Using the mask slipcover over the N95 mask has great possibilities for medical use when medical workers are being asked to use the N95 masks longer than the manufacturer intended them to be used for.

At the minimum, construction of this mask slipcover should consist of the four mask slip cover pattern pieces plus the nose wire. The nose wire is necessary to hold cover to N95 mask and also to keep cover more formed around eyes and nose.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a mask assembly showing the manufactured, commercially available mask 1200 enveloped by the slipcover 100, according to an example embodiment. Initially, the slipcover 100 is slipped over the mask 1200. To complete attachment of the slipcover 100, the flap 110′ is folded or tucked around or near the top of the commercially available mask 1200. The flap 110 with the pocket 1210 that carries the wire is then brought over the top of flap 110′ and folded over. The wire, now the nose wire, is conformed to the user's nose. A similar set of folds of the two flaps along the bottom of the commercially available mask 1200 are made to substantially completely envelope the mask 1200. The elastic portions for the head and neck are not covered but are left out so that they can be used to attach the mask assembly to the face.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the bottom portion of the mask assembly, according to an example embodiment. The view is also of the portion of the mask that will be nearest the face of the user. Some might term this the interior of the mask assembly or the interior of the slipcover 100. The flap 110′ (not shown) is tucked toward the manufactured mask 1200. The flap 110′ is a duplicate of the flap 110′ at the top of the mask shown in FIG. 12. The flap 110 is folded over the flap 110′. The wire or chin wire in the pocket or casing is conformed to the user's chin. The slipcover 100, in one embodiment, is made of a material that is more comfortable than the material of the commercial mask 1200. Of course, the slipcover 100 can be made of any material, some of which may be less comfortable.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a wire 1400, according to an example embodiment. The wire 1400 fits within a pocket or casing 1210 in the slipcover 100. There are two such pockets 1210 on one finished slipcover 100 so two of the wires 1400 are placed in the two pockets 1210. The wire 1400 is adhesively backed. As there is no need for the adhesive in this application, the adhesive is neutralized so that the wire 1400 slips into the casing without having to fight with the adhesive. This is one type of wire. Other types can be metal stays or even a similarly sized piece of aluminum foil having many folds. It is contemplated that many types of materials can be used for the wire 1400 and that shown is one example.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a KN95 mask for another mask system 1700, according to an example embodiment. The KN95 mask, such as the one manufactured by JIFA Group Co. LTD of Jiangnan Development Area, Dongyang of Zhejiany, P.R. China 322121 is similar to the K95 mask. One difference is that the KN95 mask includes ear straps or loops 1510, 1512. The KN95 mask 1500 includes a center seam 1520 and an enclosed nose wire 1530.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a template or a pattern 1600 for a slipcover 1700 for the mask system that includes the KN95 mask 1500, according to an example embodiment. The pattern 1600 is for a KN95 mask, such as the one manufactured by JIFA Group Co. LTD of Jiangnan Development Area, Dongyang of Zhejiany, P.R. China 322121. The KN95 mask includes ear straps or loops 1510, 1512. Two pieces of fabric are needed for each slipcover 1710. The pattern can be laid out as shown in FIG. 16 or can be folded along line 1640 and placed on the fold of a fabric to cut one piece. In other words, the pattern could be cut along line 1640 to form a pattern that would be placed on the fold. A nose wire pocket 1610 is formed on the wrong side of the fabric on one of the inner shell or outer shell portions. An inner or outer shell portion is formed by sewing edge 1650 to edg 1651 and by sewing edge 1652 to edge 1653. The pattern or template 1600 includes triangular match points 1620, 1622, 1624, 1626 which can be used to match the inner shell to the outer shell. The match points 1620, 1622, 1624, 1626 also mark approximately where an ear loop can be placed on the slip cove 1700. The match points 1620, 1622, 1624, 1626 also indicate where openings 1630 and 1632 will be formed on the slipcover 1710.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the mask system 1700, according to an example embodiment. The mask system includes the KN95 mask 1500 positioned inside the slipcover 1710. The nose wire 1530 of mask 1500 is positioned proximate the nose wire pocket 1610 of the slip cover 1710. A nose wire may or may not be placed in the nose wire pocket 1610. The ear loops or straps 1510 and 1512 are shown as extending out from the openings 1630 and 1632 in the slip cover 1710. The slip cover 1710 also includes ear loops or straps 1730 and 1732. As shown the ear loops or straps 1730 and 1732 each have a length adjustment device 1731, 1733 in the form of a bead that can be used to lengthen or shorten the ear loops 1730 and 1732. The bead is moved up and down the length of the ear loops 1730 and 1732. A neck strap or neck cord 1740 is attached to at least one of the ear loops 1730 and 1732. In one embodiment, the neck strap or neck cord 1740 is attached to both of the ear loops 1730 and 1732. Safety straps can also be provided to attach the ear loops of the mask 1510, 1512 to the ear loops 1730, of the slipcover 1710.

In summary, a mask system includes a slipcover further including a first foldable surface, and a second foldable surface. The first foldable surface and the second foldable surface folded to removably attach the slipcover. The mask system also includes a plurality of loop tabs. A safety strap is removably attached to at least one of the plurality of loop tabs. A neck strap is also removably attached to at least one of the plurality of loop tabs. In one embodiment, the slipcover has an opening in the top of the slipcover so that a mask can be placed within the slipcover. The slipcover also includes a nose wire. In one embodiment, the slipcover has an opening proximate the nose wire. The opening is sized so that a mask can be placed within the slipcover. In another embodiment, the slipcover includes a first opening in the top of the slip cover, and a second opening in the bottom of the slipcover. A mask be placed within the slipcover by placing the mask through one of the first opening and the second opening. The slip cover includes a first flap located proximate the first opening to fold over a portion of the mask within the slip cover, and a second flap located proximate the second opening to fold over a portion of the mask within the slip cover. Of course, mask system has a mask for positioning within the slip cover. The mask is a commercially available mask such as an N95 mask available from 3M of St. Paul, Minn.

A mask system includes a mask, and a slipcover. The slipcover further includes a first inner portion, and a second outer portion attached to the first inner portion. The slip cover having a first opening therein, and a second opening therein. At least one of the first opening and the second opening is sized to allow the mask to pass into the space between the first inner portion and the second outer portion. In other words, the slipcover substantially envelopes the mask. The mask further also includes a first mask ear loop, and a second mask ear loo. A commercially available mask is positioned within the slip cover so that a portion of the first mask ear loop can extend out the first opening and the second ear loop can extend out the second opening. The slipcover further includes a first slipcover ear loop, and a second slipcover ear loop. In one embodiment, the first slipcover ear loop is positioned near the first opening in the slipcover, and the second slipcover ear loop is positioned near the second opening in the slipcover. The mask earloops can be positioned outside of the slipcover or tucked into the space between the first portion and the second portion of the slipcover. One of the first opening and the second opening is at the top of the slipcover, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, one of the first opening and the second opening is at one side of the slipcover, and the other of the first opening and the second opening is at the other side of the slipcover. The slipcover further comprises a neck cord attached to one of the first ear loop and the second ear loop. The slipcover further comprises a nose wire attached to one of the first inner portion and the second outer portion.

This has been a detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention(s) contained within the disclosed subject matter. Such invention(s) may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and which shows by way of illustration, but not of limitation, some specific embodiments of the invention, including a preferred embodiment. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand and implement the inventive subject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 

What is claimed:
 1. A mask system comprising: a slipcover further comprising: a first foldable surface: and a second foldable surface, the first foldable surface and the second foldable surface folded to removably attach the slipcover.
 2. The mask system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of loop tabs.
 3. The mask system of claim 2 further comprising a safety strap which is removably attached to at least one of the plurality of loop tabs.
 4. The mask system of claim 2 further comprising a neck strap which is removably attached to at least one of the plurality of loop tabs.
 5. The mask system of claim 1 wherein the slipcover has an opening in the top of the slipcover so that a mask can be placed within the slipcover.
 6. The mask system of claim 1 wherein the slipcover further comprises a nose wire.
 7. The mask system of claim 6 wherein the slipcover has an opening proximate the nose wire in the slip cover so that a mask can be placed within the slipcover.
 8. The mask system of claim 1 wherein the slipcover further comprises: a first opening in the top of the slip cover; a second opening in the bottom of the slipcover, a mask be placed within the slipcover by placing the mask through one of the first opening and the second opening.
 9. The slipcover of claim 8 further comprising: a first flap located proximate the first opening to fold over a portion of the mask within the slip cover; and a second flap located proximate the second opening to fold over a portion of the mask within the slip cover.
 10. The mask system of claim 1 further comprising a mask for positioning within the slip cover.
 11. A mask system comprising: a mask; and a slipcover further comprising: a first inner portion: and a second outer portion attached to the first inner portion, the slip cover having a first opening therein, and a second opening therein, at least one of the first opening and the second opening sized to allow the mask to pass into the space between the first inner portion and the second outer portion, the slipcover substantially enveloping the mask.
 12. The mask system of claim 11 wherein the mask further comprises: a first mask ear loop; and a second mask ear loop, the mask positioned within the slip cover so that a portion of the first mask ear loop can extend out the first opening and the second ear loop can extend out the second opening.
 13. The mask system of claim 11 wherein the slipcover further comprises: a first slipcover ear loop; and a second slipcover ear loop.
 14. The mask system of claim 14 wherein the first slipcover ear loop is positioned near the first opening in the slipcover, and the second slipcover ear loop is positioned near the second opening in the slipcover.
 15. The mask system of claim 11 wherein one of the first opening and the second opening is at the top of the slipcover.
 16. The mask system of claim 11 wherein one of the first opening and the second opening is at one side of the slipcover, and wherein the other of the first opening and the second opening is at the other side of the slipcover.
 17. The mask system of claim 11 wherein the slipcover further comprises a neck cord attached to one of the first ear loop and the second ear loop.
 18. The mask system of claim 11 wherein the slipcover further comprises a nose wire attached to one of the first inner portion and the second outer portion. 